MLB Player News

Polanco went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI singles in a loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.

Polanco's contributions ended up leading to the only runs of the afternoon for the Mariners, who were otherwise stymied by Chris Sale and a quartet of relievers. Despite the lack of extra-base hits, Polanco's performance was impactful from an individual perspective, as it extended his on-base streak to six games and qualified as the veteran's second straight two-RBI tally. Polanco's .181/.317/.295 slash line naturally has no shortage of room for improvement, but perhaps his current surge is the start of a long-awaited breakout in his first Seattle campaign.

The Red Sox optioned Valdez to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Valdez will head back to the minors to make room on the roster for infielder Zack Short, who was acquired via trade Wednesday and has now been added to the 26-man active roster. The 25-year-old has slashed just .156/.186/.267 across 28 games with the big club this season. Valdez will add to his versatility while at Worcester, as the plan is to use him at third base, first base and potentially the outfield in addition to second base.

Massey went 1-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Blue Jays.

After bringing home a run in the sixth inning with a groundout, Massey lofted a Nate Pearson curveball off the right-field foul pole in the eighth for a three-run shot. The second baseman has homered in back-to-back games, his first long balls since making his season debut April 19, and he's hit safely in five straight contests.

The Red Sox will option Valdez to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

After a promising rookie campaign in 2023, Valdez has slashed just .156/.186/.267 across 98 plate appearances in the majors to begin the season and is now in line to return to the minors in an effort to get back on track at the plate. Zack Short -- who was acquired from the Mets on Wednesday -- will be activated Thursday to fill Valdez's roster spot.

Garcia is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

With lefty Andrew Heaney on the hill for Texas, the lefty-hitting Garcia will move to the bench Wednesday. Ildemaro Vargas will pick up the start at second base in place of Garcia, who has now sat out three times -- all against southpaws -- in the last four games.

Lux is not included in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Lux will begin the matchup in the dugout as the Diamondbacks start their third straight lefty in Jordan Montgomery on Wednesday. Miguel Rojas will get his second consecutive start at second base and bat seventh.

The Angels scratched Drury from the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies due to migraine.

Drury had been in line to bat cleanup and start at second base before the migraine surfaced shortly before first pitch. Luis Rengifo will slide over from third base and start at the keystone in Drury's stead, while Ehire Adrianza was added to the lineup to start at third base.

Gelof (oblique) fielded grounders and played catch Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Gelof was shut down for about a week after landing on the 10-day injured list last Thursday with a strained left oblique, but he's now been cleared to begin baseball activities. Hitting will be the biggest hurdle for him to clear, and it's uncertain when he might be ready to swing a bat. Gelof is eligible to return from the IL on May 15, but it's too soon to know whether he might be back by that date.

Bogaerts is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds.

Bogaerts will hit the bench for just the second time all season in what appears to be a routine maintenance day after he had started each of the past 16 games. Tyler Wade will step in for Bogaerts at second base and will bat ninth.

Stott is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

With a lefty (Patrick Sandoval) on the mound for the Angels and with the Phillies and Halos wrapping up their series with a day game after a night game, the lefty-hitting Stott will get a maintenance day. Whit Merrifield will replace Stott at second base.